An exceptional debut for Formula Rossa
Montmelo, 6 May - "Formula Rossa" made its public debut this afternoon at the Catalunya Circuit. A vehicle used on one of the fastest roller coaster rides in the world was presented to the media with three special passengers, in the shape of Stefano Domenicali, Fernando Alonso and Felipe Massa.
The attraction is part of Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, the first theme park whose actual theme is the Maranello-based company. It will be officially opened on 28 October at the Yas Marina Island, in the Abu Dhabi emirate.
"I can't wait to have a go on it," commented Fernando Alonso. "It's true that we drivers are used to speed, but this way I'll get the chance to share the thrill of doing 240 an hour with my engineers, so they can get a feel for what it's all about!"
"It might be a bit too soon for Felipinho to have a go: when we will be in Abu Dhabi for the Grand Prix, he will still not even be a year old," added Felipe. "But I will definitely have a go myself, maybe with Raffaela alongside me!"
Formula Rossa Overview
How Fast is Too Fast?
Strap yourself into the F1 cockpit and hold on, as you blast away on the fastest roller coaster on the planet. You'll accelerate to 240km/h and see what 1.7 Gs really feels like. You'll scream over the track and 52 meters into the sky before flying through the chicanes and across the finish line on the Formula Rossa.
Formula Rossa celebrates speed, aerodynamics and technical innovation.
A featured attraction at Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, the world's first Ferrari theme park and largest attraction of its kind, Formula Rossa will take you on the most thrilling ride of your life.
The Formula Rossa journey will begin in a temperature controlled pre-ride waiting area, where riders will be given protective eyewear, designed to protect passengers from the windforce generated by the coaster's high speed. Using a hydraulic winch system, similar to those used to launch jet planes, the F1 inspired coaster is then shot out of the launch area using 20,800 horsepower and propelled to a height of 52m in less than 5 seconds.
Riders are then taken on a blindingly fast and thrilling experience along a 2.07 km track full of sharp turns and sudden drops.
According to the designers of Formula Rossa, Jack Rouse Associates, the key challenge in building the world's fastest roller coaster was obtaining the desired speed without compromising passenger safety and comfort.
Key facts about Formula Rossa
- World's fastest roller coaster reaching speeds of up to 240 kph
- 0 to 100 km in 2 seconds
- Winch system uses 20,800 horsepower
- 2.07 kilometer track
- Designed by Jack Rouse Associates
- Manufactured by Intamin
- Roller coaster cars designed to resemble the Ferrari F1 car, down to the use of the exact "Rosso Scuderia"
- Ride capacity of 16 passengers - 4 cars in the train, 4 riders per car
- Maximum elevation 52 m
- Lowest elevation 1.5 m
- 1.7 Gs
- Occupies 8.48 Hectares / 21 Acres of Land
- Sharpest turn at 70 degrees
About Ferrari World Abu Dhabi:
Ferrari World Abu Dhabi will be the world's largest indoor and first Ferrari theme park. It will be an intense multi-sensory experience and a must-visit for enthusiasts, fans and families. With over 20 unique rides, attractions and shows, including the world's fastest rollercoaster, Ferrari World Abu Dhabi will be a celebration of Ferrari's past, present and future. Due to open in 2010, Ferrari World Abu Dhabi is set to be one of the signature features of Yas Island, a 2,500 hectare island dedicated to leisure, entertainment and lifestyle.
Ferrari World Abu Dhabi is a world-class development by Aldar Properties PJSC, Abu Dhabi's leading property development, management and investment company and will be managed by Farah Leisure Parks Management LLC, a joint venture between Aldar Properties PJSC and ProFun Management Group Inc., an international leisure facilities management and operating company.
